Semester 1 is offered only during the fall term. Semester 2 is offered only during the spring term.

The AP Computer Science A course is an introductory computer science course. A large part of the course involves developing the skills to write programs or parts of programs that correctly solve specific problems. The course also emphasizes the design issues that make programs understandable, adaptable, and when appropriate, reusable. At the same time, the development of useful computer programs and classes is used as a context for introducing other important concepts in computer science, including the development and analysis of algorithms, the development and use of fundamental data structures, and the study of standard algorithms and typical applications. In addition an understanding of the basic hardware and software components of computer systems and the responsible use of these systems are integral parts of the course. 

Prerequisites: Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Intro to CS 2 or programming experience in a textual language (Python, C#, C, Java, JavaScript, etc.)

As recommended by College Board:  It is recommended that a student in the AP Computer Science Principles course should have successfully completed a first year  high school algebra course with a strong foundation on basic linear functions and composition of functions, and problem solving  strategies that require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. In addition, students should be able to use a Cartesian (x, y) coordinate system to represents points in a plane. It is important that students and their advisers understand that any significant computer science course builds upon a foundation of mathematical and computational reasoning that will be applied throughout the study of the course.